What is the primary use of the 5-why routine?

The primary use of the 5-why routine is to find the root cause of a problem. This technique is a simple yet effective problem-solving tool that encourages individuals or teams to ask "why" multiple times—typically five—to drill down into the underlying causes of an issue.

By repeatedly asking why a problem exists, practitioners can peel back the layers of symptoms and surface-level issues to reveal deeper systemic problems that may not be immediately apparent. This method promotes critical thinking and helps ensure that the appropriate corrective actions can be identified and implemented to address the actual source of the issue rather than just treating its symptoms.

Using the 5-why technique can lead to more sustainable solutions, as it focuses on eliminating the root causes, thereby preventing the problem from recurring. This is crucial in Total Quality Management (TQM), where the goal is to enhance overall quality and performance by addressing the core issues impacting processes and outputs.

Other options, such as tracking process performance, establishing process controls, or analyzing economic impact, do not specifically align with the purpose of the 5-why routine. Those tasks may involve different methodologies and tools suited for various aspects of process management and improvement, but the 5-why is distinctively focused on root cause analysis